Amid an investigation into football coach Bryan Harsin, Auburn University has implemented a new policy stating that employees can be fired for not cooperating with an investigation or review.
The new policy, which went into effect on Tuesday, states that violations “may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.” It was titled the “Employee Duty to Cooperate Policy.”
The university is looking into the football program, which has lost 18 players and five assistant coaches since the end of Harsin’s first season. The defections came after the Tigers lost their final five games and finished with a 6-7 record.
Harsin was driven by an Alabama state trooper to a previously scheduled meeting of Southeastern Conference football coaches at league headquarters in Birmingham on Thursday morning, marking his first actions in a coaching capacity since he left for vacation and Auburn began an investigation into his handling of the football program.
Harsin emerged from SEC headquarters later in the afternoon and was asked multiple questions by reporters, including whether or not he was cooperating with Auburn’s investigation, but he did not provide comment.
Auburn did not immediately respond to calls from ESPN about the reasons for the new policy or whether it was related to the Harsin investigation.
The policy states, in part: “Employees have a duty to cooperate fully and truthfully with investigations, inquiries, and reviews relating to their university responsibilities and professional obligations. For example, employees must do the following: cooperate in sharing requested information and participating in interviews; produce all requested university documentation within their custody or command; disclose additional information relevant to the investigation or review; and maintain confidentiality as advised.”
Harsin maintained in an interview with ESPN last week that he’s “not planning on going anywhere.” Auburn released a statement on Monday saying university officials are “judiciously collecting information” from sources, including student-athletes.
Harsin arrived at Auburn after being hired away from Boise State in December 2020.
Newly hired offensive coordinator Austin Davis announced he was resigning for personal reasons after replacing a fired Mike Bobo. In January, defensive coordinator Derek Mason left for Oklahoma State.
Harsin’s contract runs through the 2026 season and averages $5.25 million per season. If he is fired without cause, Auburn would owe Harsin 70% of the remaining value of the deal, or about $18 million.
Harsin replaced Gus Malzahn, who was fired after last season and received a buyout of $21.45 million.
ESPN’s Alex Scarborough and The Associated Press contributed to this report.